§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received from private companies about privatisation within the penal system; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will list those companies which have tendered for private remand prisons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo such tenders have been either invited or received. A number of private companies have submitted comments in response to the Green Paper "Private Sector Involvement in the Remand System" (Cm. 434, July 1988), and expressed interest in becoming involved in the areas of work which the Green Paper considers. My right hon. Friend expects to make an announcement shortly on the results of the Green Paper consultation and of the associated management consultancy study into the practicality of the options described in the Green Paper.